Emigration Sentiment in France Reaches a New Level

The rise in emigration sentiment in France in 2025 indicates a shift that cannot be reduced to isolated economic difficulties. Nearly one in four adult residents of the country now view moving abroad as a desirable scenario, pointing to systemic changes in public expectations and perceptions of the state.

For several years, France remained outside the group of countries with mass intentions to leave. Indicators fluctuated but stayed within a moderate range. The turning point occurred within a single year: the share of those willing to leave if given the opportunity jumped from 11% to 27%, placing France among countries with traditionally high emigration potential.

Officially, the reasons for dissatisfaction are most often framed in economic terms. These include a high tax burden, a complex regulatory environment, and a perceived lack of prospects for professional and financial growth. At the same time, a more profound process is unfolding - a sharp decline in trust in key institutions. Trust in the government has fallen to 29%, in the judicial system to 50%, and in financial institutions to 42%.

This simultaneous decline across several dimensions sets France apart from other European Union countries. In 2025, no other EU state recorded such a strong combined drop in institutional trust within a single year. This suggests that the problem goes beyond individual political decisions and affects the very model of interaction between society and the state.

The growing desire to leave does not necessarily mean an immediate wave of emigration, but it carries long-term consequences. If current trends persist, the country may face a brain drain, reduced internal mobility, and a weakening social base for reforms. Emigration intentions are becoming an indicator of the gap between citizens’ expectations and the opportunities they perceive at home.

At the same time, it remains uncertain how durable these sentiments will be. The study captures intentions rather than actual moves. Future dynamics will depend on economic conditions, tax policy, and the ability of institutions to restore trust. Without changes in these areas, elevated emigration expectations may become the new norm.

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